From Metrics to Materials: Generative Mechanisms of Formalism in Chinese Educational Inspection

• In Event: Virtual Poster Session
  In Virtual iPresentation Only: Division H - Section 4: Accountability in Schools Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

Formalism is a common issue in educational inspection. To explore its underlying mechanisms, this study examines inspection indicators and compliance materials from a Chinese public school between 2022 and 2024. The findings reveal three interrelated mechanisms: (1) Delegated accountability, aligned with the accountability logic, places demands on schools to meet external expectations; (2) Anxiety-driven oversight, aligned with control logic, compels schools to ensure visibility and traceability in response to institutional distrust; (3) Ideological encoding, aligned with loyalty logic, requires schools to conform to political alignment. These mechanisms are embedded in inspection scripting and translated through preparation scripting, ultimately producing formalistic materials. By uncovering the dynamics behind formalism, this study provides valuable insights into understanding formalism within global education governance systems.

Author

• Hui Zhi, Beijing Normal University